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I am happy to consider reviewing books on behalf of publishers. However, please note that I will publish my honest thoughts of the book. If I do not like it, I will and do feel obligated to point out the reasons why I would not recommend it to others. I maintain an affiliate account with Amazon and receive compensation for purchases which originate via the Amazon link provided in any given review.

Thursday, November 18, 2010

The 12 Days of Christmas Cookbook (giveaway)

The 12 Days of Christmas Cookbook is pretty. Very pretty. It has been beautifully presented in a hardback, glossy package with raised lettering. For a gift/cookbook, this is tops. The presentation is, quite simply, lovely.

When I saw the title come through Barbour Publishing's new releases, I was definitely interested in checking it out and sharing it with you all!

Jonathan and I love hosting events and gatherings around the holidays and I'm always eager to pick up new ideas or recipes to make our entertaining a little bit easier (and a lot more yummy!) It's fun to lay out a spread of delicious looking food and have our friends join in the celebration (and the feasting!)

I've earmarked quite a number of these recipes to try during the season. What I particularly love is how straight forward the recipes in this book are and how easy they look to accomplish! (I'm all for ease, especially when the group we've invited over is quite large and I'm handling the menu!)

Divided up into twelve sections, this book is subtitled and professes to be "The Ultimate in Effortless Holiday Entertaining." The twelve sections of recipes include the following:

Appetizers

Beverages

Breads

Breakfast Dishes

Candies

Cookies

Desserts

Recipes for Kids

Main Dishes

Salads

Sides

Soups

As I said, the recipes are all straight forward and the ingredients familiar throughout the book. One particular note about this book is that it assumes the cook will take the shortcut of adding ready-made ingredients to the dishes. (For example, some of the soups and breads assume that you will start with some canned good of varied types.) I rather appreciate that because I dislike when I read, "vegetable stock" in a recipe and then read "go to page X for recipe." I like baking and cooking, but I do appreciate the shortcuts and typically use canned and prepared foods as I'm putting things together. I most especially do that when I'm cooking for 40+ people so I find this book to be particularly useful and full of great promise as far as I am concerned!

There are also lovely photographs scattered liberally throughout so that you can always tell when you've succeed (or not) with any given recipe!

It's fun. It's festive. It's yummy.

I am now happy to say that Barbour Publishing has generously offered a copy of The Twelve Days of Christmas Cookbook to one of you! In order to win, simply leave a comment below (including a valid e-mail address!) This contest is open to U.S. Residents only and will be open through Thursday, November 25th! (Which is, of course, Thanksgiving Day -- when you'll no doubt be tired of cooking and/or will be in need of further inspiration!)

THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED. THE WINNER (as selected by Random.org) IS #20 - Stephanie's Mommy Brain! Congrats, Stephanie!

Hey, wanted to let you know you earned the SUNSHINE AWARD for the sunshine you bring to my life! See details here: http://learninghowmuchidontknow.blogspot.com/2010/11/acceptance-speech.htmlBlessings to you! Shonya